President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Middle East nations to work closely with Southeast Asian countries in addressing pressing global challenges — from safeguarding maritime routes and protecting war victims to strengthening climate resilience.

Speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit, Marcos underscored the shared geographic and geopolitical realities of both regions, particularly as maritime nations dependent on secure sea lanes.

He likened the South China Sea to the Arabian Sea, both of which are vital passageways for global commerce.

“The South China Sea and the Arabian Sea cover vital sea lanes that serve as lifelines to regional and international commerce,” Marcos said, as he emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation, unimpeded trade and environmental protection.

Marcos also pushed for the urgent passage of a long-delayed Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea to ensure stability and prevent miscalculations at sea.

He urged adherence to established international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as the framework for cooperation and dispute resolution.

Beyond maritime concerns, the President addressed the humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He expressed deep concern over the rising civilian toll in Gaza following Israel’s military operations in response to the October 2023 Hamas attack.

“The Philippines is gravely concerned over Israel’s ongoing military operations across the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in the continued rise of civilian deaths, including women and children,” Marcos said.

He urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and prioritize the protection of civilians while ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Despite the conflict, Marcos commended the GCC’s expanding role in global peace-building.

“These efforts have contributed to the enhancement of global security and stability through mediation, dialogue and diplomacy — resulting in peace agreements, prisoner exchanges, and family reunifications,” he said.

Turning to another global concern, the climate crisis, Marcos appealed to GCC nations for financial support in building up the Loss and Damage Fund, a facility hosted by the Philippines to help climate-vulnerable countries.

“Both our regions are climate-vulnerable,” he said, pointing to risks such as sea level rise, desertification and biodiversity loss.

He emphasized that contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund would fast-track access to climate finance for developing nations and enable the implementation of science-based and transformative adaptation and mitigation strategies.

“The Philippines will advocate for scientific, investment-led, and transformative solutions to the climate crisis,” he said.

With mounting global instability and ecological threats, Marcos called on the ASEAN and GCC to deepen their ties and be responsible stewards of peace, prosperity and the planet.